The grandson of an Indian immigrant and the first malay commoner to become prime minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad turned the Muslim majority Southeast Asian country into one of the developing world'd most successful economies. During his 22 years in power he adopted pramagtic economic policies alogside repressive political measures, and showed that Islam was compactible with representative government and modernisation.Abrasive and outspoken, Mahathir emerged as a Third world champion and Islamic spokesman by condemning the West, not least trying to impose liberal demecracy and neo economics on developing nations.By raising living standards and winning international acclaim, he contributed to a sense of nantional identity,pride and confidence among ethnically diverse Malaysians. But in mixing business and politics, Mahathir encouraged cronyism and failed to prevent the spread of corruption.Authoritarian and impatient, he jailed opponents,sacked rivals and undermined institutions as he pursued his obsession with development.In retirement, he broke a promise to stay out of politics,falling out with two successors while using all available means to protect his legacy.